Alpha Kappa Alpha Combats Hunger and Period Poverty in Liberia Through Service

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. recently demonstrated its commitment to global impact with a transformative week-long service initiative in Liberia. Under the leadership of International Regional Director Carrie J. Clark, members from across the sorority’s International Region convened to execute projects aligned with their 2022-2026 theme, “Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood,” spearheaded by International President and CEO Danette Anthony Reed.

The initiative marked the first region-wide service project in the International Region and focused on four critical areas: empowering families, building economic wealth, enhancing the environment, and uplifting local communities. Through partnerships with Liberian schools and organizations, including Kpor Town Public School, Owensgrove Public High School, Mother Comfort Christ Miracle of Faith School, and Our Children’s Future, Inc., the sorority directly impacted nearly 1,000 students and families.

Efforts to address food insecurity and menstrual health were among the highlights of the project. Members distributed hundreds of Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Packs (CHIPP) to alleviate hunger and provided menstrual hygiene kits to combat period poverty, a significant barrier to education for girls in Liberia.

In addition to meeting immediate needs, Alpha Kappa Alpha members contributed to long-term improvements in the educational environment. Volunteers planted a garden, refurbished playground equipment, and painted school buildings, creating more welcoming and functional spaces for students.

Liberia’s former president and Alpha Kappa Alpha member Ellen Johnson Sirleaf praised the initiative: “The International Region of AKA has done Liberia well. They truly uplifted the local community. Coming in the numbers they did, they were able to assess and maximize the efforts of the local chapter to meet the greatest needs of children and women in vulnerable conditions. Alpha Kappa Alpha is a wonderful gift to our country!”

Carrie J. Clark, International Regional Director, emphasized the profound impact of the initiative. “Global impact and service are the lifeblood of Alpha Kappa Alpha,” she said. “What is particularly powerful about this initiative in Liberia is how it resonates with our mission. The work we are doing is changing the lives of young Black girls, many of whom miss school due to period poverty. By providing reusable pads and menstrual hygiene education, we are giving young ladies the chance to stay in school, pursue an education, and transform the trajectory of their lives—and their families’ futures. This is not just a service project; it’s a powerful step toward social transformation.”

The initiative was organized by the Eta Beta Omega chapter, the first chapter chartered in the International Region, under the leadership of Chapter President Marcelle G. Abdallah, Pacific Cluster Coordinator Clarine Simpson Vaughn, and Service Project Chairperson Caroline Klark. Members from 11 countries in the International Region participated, including Liberia, the Bahamas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Germany, South Korea, Bermuda, Japan, Canada, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Nigeria.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s work in Liberia exemplifies its enduring legacy of leadership, community empowerment, and global impact. By addressing critical needs and fostering sustainable change, the organization continues to pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future worldwide.